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Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has expressed his excitement at returning to the Nigerian national team as they prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Footynaija.com reports.
The Southampton star last featured for Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast. Since then, he has been overlooked in favour of other midfield options.
Coach Finidi George did not invite Aribo for the World Cup qualifiers last June while interim boss Augustine Eguavoen snubbed him for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers late in 2024.
However, Aribo has now been recalled by new head coach Eric Chelle for the upcoming qualifiers, and he is eager to make an impact.
“It’s a really good feeling, I’m happy to be back, happy to get involved with my team and get the results we are looking for,” Aribo told football journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel.
Joe Aribo is back!!!
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) March 19, 2025
A quick chat with the Southampton midfielder.
“I am happy to be back. We are working hard.” pic.twitter.com/5So694UKCC
The 28-year-old also spoke highly of Chelle’s methods, backing the coach’s philosophy to turn Nigeria’s fortunes around.
“It’s a good feeling, we believe in what he wants from us, what he wants to implement in the game. We just have to believe in what he says to us on the pitch and take it through into the games.”
With limited time to prepare before facing Rwanda on March 21, Aribo acknowledged the importance of quickly adapting to Chelle’s tactics.
“We are working hard, we have to work fast with the manager because it’s only a certain amount of training sessions that we are going to have before the game. We have to listen to what he says, take in his points, and implement it during the game.”
Nigeria are in a precarious position in their World Cup qualifying campaign, currently fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches. The former African champions trail Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa by four points and must secure victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to revive their qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles will be desperate to bounce back, and with Aribo back in the fold, they will be hoping his return can provide the spark they need.
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